Canada has allocated money to recognize the diplomas of foreign specialists
The government is struggling with a staffing crisis in medicine.
Canada is facing a labor shortage in the health care industry. In the second quarter of 2023, a total of 90,000 unfilled vacancies in health professions were recorded. The problem of long waits in line to see a family doctor is a widespread national problem. In response, the Canadian government is directing funds to accelerate the accreditation process for foreign medical professionals.
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault announced up to CA$ 86 million to 15 organizations across Canada to expedite the certification of foreign credentials for approximately 6,600 foreign medical professionals.
The funding will help immigrants with advanced education and qualifications to validate their skills. For example, midwives trained abroad will be able to take exams online before coming to Canada.
The 15 projects funded through the program, which is spread across the country, will focus on:
- optimization of the processes of certification and verification of educational documents of foreign specialists;
- assistance to overseas medical professionals, including child care services, transportation costs, mentoring and coaching;
- facilitating labor mobility between different Canadian provinces and territories for foreign medical professionals.
The Canadian government promised such a program back in October 2023 at the meeting of health ministers. Funding will be directed to the most in-demand professions in the sector: nurses, pharmacists, dentists, laboratory technicians and respiratory therapists.
The Foreign Degree Recognition Program was developed in collaboration with provinces, territories, regulators and various organizations. The authorities expect that this decision will lead to Canada's economic growth and support the sustainability of the health workforce.
